Night and Day 1...Living a Dream

What an incredible day and night today was--truly one of the most thrilling of my life. Not only did I get to witness Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy's speech first-hand, but I found myself 10 feet away and sometimes closer from some of my heroes in politics and television.


Those of you who know me, know what a big CNN fan I am. The California delegation is seated right behind the CNN stage on the floor of the convention. I was able to meet all of my favorite CNN hosts and correspondents. I also got to meet or take pictures of Senator McGovern, Senator Walter Mondale, and other dignitaries representing generations of public service.

The most exciting person for me to meet was the one with whom I spent the most time. Dolores Huerta, the famed civil rights activist who worked alongside Caesar Chavez fighting for the rights of farm workers. She is a hero of mine. She sat next to me for part of the evening which included the speech by Michelle Obama. To be sitting next to a civil rights hero and listening to the possible future first African-American First Lady was truly remarkable. Mrs. Huerta taped a message for my middle school students; look for a separate post for this message. She is truly remarkable; I hope all of you will watch the message.

Our role as delegates yesterday was to be a part of the amazing program, but to also vote on the party platform and the reports of the rules and ethics committees. The party platform, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is the document that outlines the policies that the candidates of the party will support, namely the presidential nominee. The republican delegates will do the same at their convention next week. Even though the vote was by "acclimation" (a voice vote), I did feel a part of history.

IT has been more difficult to get online than I thought, so my blogs may be a day delayed. Keep checking in...and check out CNN and NBC, I have heard I was on.

Until next time...
Erik